Pieces of Georgia

Starred Review. Bryant's (The Trial) tale of a quiet, observant 13-year-old unfolds as a free verse journal. Most of the other kids on the "At Risk" list have "substance abuse" next to their names, but beside Georgia McCoy's name the guidance counselor, Mrs. Yocum, writes "financial/single parent—father/possible medical?" When Georgia can't put her feelings about her mother's death six years ago into words, Mrs. Yocum gives her a journal and suggests, "write down what you might tell, or what you might ask,/ your mother/ if she were here." This, combined with a membership to the Brandywine River Museum from "anonymous" nudge Georgia to further explore her love of drawing. In her journal, she describes the loss of her artistic mother, life with her taciturn father, and her overachieving friend Tiffany. Georgia's eloquent, spare musings convey both her wisdom and sense of fairness. The kindnesses shown her by the school nurse, who explains puberty, and the art teacher, who gives Georgia old supplies to foster her talent—and also to protect her pride—counterbalance her father's silent grief and the cruelty of kids who tease her about her poverty. Georgia's powerlessness to help Tiffany through her anxiety and exhaustion seems very real, as does Georgia's evolving relationship with her father. Through Georgia's artwork, noticing details others miss, learning about painters like O'Keeffe and Wyeth, and reaching out to others, the fragmented pieces of this steely, gentle heroine become an integrated whole. Ages 10-14. (Apr.)

Gr 5 Up–In a blend of free verse and diary/journal, 13-year-old Georgia pours her heart out to her mother, who died six years ago. She and her father are still suffering. Because of their financial situation (shaky) and Georgia's frequent stomachaches and lack of participation in class, she ends up on an “At Risk” list that requires her to see a school counselor. Mrs. Yocum makes a deal with her: if Georgia will write down all of the things she would like to talk to her mom about, she can skip the weekly sessions and just check in occasionally. Through this journal, the finely drawn characters come to life, particularly Georgia's dad and her best friend, Tiffany. Her father's grief has caused him to withdraw emotionally and he doesn't give his daughter the time or attention she craves. Tiffany is pushed to be an overachiever, the strain of which brings her to the brink of destructive behavior. Georgia shares all aspects of her life and thoughts, and readers come to understand the depth of her loss. This is a remarkable book. Through the spare writing, readers come to understand and empathize with these three people. Their story is a universal one of love, friendship, and loss and will be appreciated by a wide audience.–Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC